Rare NBA card featuring Menendez brothers surges in value after discovery

The 1990 trading card featuring New York Knicks guard Mark Jackson has recently gained significant attention and value due to the presence of the infamous Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik. This newfound interest among collectors and true crime enthusiasts has led to a surge in the card’s price, with some listings reaching hundreds of dollars.

The Menendez brothers rose to notoriety following their 1996 conviction for the brutal double murder of their parents in Beverly Hills, California. The brothers were captured on the trading card sitting in floor seats at a Knicks game, showcasing a stark contrast to the lavish spending spree they embarked on after their parents’ tragic deaths.

In the months following the murders, Lyle and Erik indulged in extravagant purchases, including luxury clothing, high-end cars, and expensive accommodations. They spent their parents’ fortune with abandon, seemingly attempting to escape the trauma of the murders or, as prosecutors argued, gain access to the family’s wealth.

Lyle invested in a restaurant and expensive properties, while Erik pursued a career as a professional tennis player, hiring coaches and competing internationally. The brothers’ spending habits were revealed in their 1995 trial, where witnesses testified to their extravagant purchases just days after the killings.

Following their resentencing in 2021, the Menendez brothers are now eligible for parole. They are set to appear before the parole board in 2025, where they will make their case for release. Ultimately, California Governor Gavin Newsom will have the final say on whether they should be set free.

The trading card featuring the Menendez brothers has become a sought-after collectible, with some collectors even sending the card to the brothers in prison for autographs. Despite eBay’s removal of listings referencing the brothers due to their association with violent crimes, the card continues to attract interest and intrigue among those fascinated by the notorious siblings’ story.